Community Outreach and Advocacy Specialist
Location: US, SD, Sioux Falls
Department: National Programs
Employment type: Full-time
Required experience: Entry level
Required education: Bachelor's Degree
Industry: Program Development
Function: Other

Company profile:
Why CSD?CSD is not only a great place to work, but also to learn, grow and give back to the community. Our organization is made up of talented, motivated people from diverse cultural, educational and professional backgrounds. We believe in teamwork, shared ideas, and creating solutions together while respecting individuality and innovation. We seek out people who want to see their ideas put into action, are committed to making a difference and who believe that more is possible! Who We AreHere, you will discover colleagues who have passion for our company, our community, customers and each other, and that are led by a team of outstanding people who believe that more is possible from each and every one of us. 

Job description:
The Community Outreach and Advocacy Specialist provides community-based services and outreach initiatives for South Dakota Programs. This position is responsible to lead organizational efforts in the statewide Domestic Violence / Sexual Assault charter with partner organizations, to educate the community about DV/SA prevention and provide organizations with cultural – specific sensitivity training and technical assistance in regards to working with victims who are deaf / hard of hearing and have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault.  This position will also provide direct community support services to deaf and hard of hearing consumers, including DV/SA services, information and referral, peer support, individual advocacy, communication assistance, and community skills integration training.  Services will be provided through videophone, AIM, text and in person, in office, at designated community place or at the consumer’s place of residence, depending upon need and safety.  Additionally, this position will coordinate Project Link, a program which provides subsidized financial assistance towards Internet fees.Essential FunctionsWorks with partner organizations to support completion of statewide DV/SA charter, including needs assessment, strategic planning and implementation of charter agreementsProvides direct support services, including information and referral, peer support, employment assistance, advocacy (ie. support at court related hearings, shelter placements, qualified interpreting services), assistance in safety planning, legal filing and documentationProvides technical assistance, prevention education and cultural-specific sensitivity training with consumers and various community organizations that serve consumers who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or have hearing lossRecords accurate documentation and reporting per State requirements including, services provided, referrals and follow up as neededCoordinates statewide Project Link program and document monthly bills received from area cable and internet service providers or from consumers whose providers do not bill CSD directly.  Also records accurate documentation of customer status, billing and reporting per State requirementsOther duties as assigned

Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in related human service field or equivalent professional experienceTwo years of professional experience working supporting deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind and speech impaired customersAbility to communicate effectively in American Sign Language

Benefits:
CSD offers a competitive benefits package for full-time employees. For a full list of benefits and perks, please visit the career page.Communication Service for the Deaf, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer and drug free and tobacco free workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, including individuals with a disability and protected veterans.